Your first 30 days in Australia, without missing the things nobody tells you.

You need a working Australian number for banking, university logins, transport and job applications. Compare coverage, data, contract length and international-call needs. Do not choose only from the airport counter because you feel rushed.

• Check whether your phone is unlocked.
• Keep roaming or an arrival eSIM until the local service works.
• Use your official accommodation address where a service requires one.

Compare account fees, card access, branches and international-transfer costs. Use the bank’s official website to check which identity and address documents it accepts. Never share a banking password or verification code.

Keep a backup way to access money until the account and card work properly.

A TFN is not required simply to arrive or study. If you plan to work, apply through the Australian Taxation Office so your employer can tax you correctly. Applying for a TFN is free.

Transport systems and student concessions differ by state. Check the official transport website for the state where you live. Search from likely accommodation to your exact campus at the times you will travel, not only to the city centre.

Include the full weekly transport cost when comparing accommodation.

Most international students rely on Overseas Student Health Cover rather than Medicare. Read your own policy because inclusions, waiting periods and out-of-pocket costs can differ. Save your insurer’s app, member number and support contact.

Do not pay money only because a listing looks convincing. Verify the property and person, inspect carefully where possible, understand the agreement and ask which bills are included. Photograph or video the condition before moving in.

Rental rules differ by state and territory. Start with the housing information on Study Australia, then use the official consumer or tenancy authority for your location.

Check your own visa conditions in VEVO. Do not rely on a friend, agent or old social-media post for your work limits. Cash-in-hand work does not remove an employer’s responsibilities. Learn the applicable minimum pay and keep payslips and records of your hours.

Check your conditions in VEVO ↗ Read Fair Work help for visa holders ↗

Orientation is not only a social event. It can explain enrolment, student systems, support, safety and academic expectations. Learn how your university expects you to reference sources and use AI tools. Ask for help early if the rules feel unfamiliar.

Use your university’s official orientation and academic-integrity pages because the process differs by institution.

A Unique Student Identifier is relevant to eligible nationally recognised training and VET study. Do not assume every university student needs to complete this task. Check what your provider asks you to do.